Territory Day is a time of celebration and fun however every year a small number of people suffer serious and often lasting injuries from firework related injuries.

Fireworks are hazardous substances that have the potential to cause severe burns, lacerations, bruises, visual impairment, hearing loss and even broken bones. All of these types of injury have been sustained during Territory Day celebrations.

In the 10 years from 2007 to 2016, 197 people have presented to an emergency department or other health care facility due to a firework related injury. Of these, 53 were children less than 16 years of age.

Acting Director for the Centre for Disease Control Dr Charles Douglas said that the majority of injuries were avoidable.

“In more than one third of cases bystanders who were not directly involved in the lighting of fireworks, were injured.”

To ensure a safer Territory Day this year the Department of Health is asking people to take a few simple precautions to reduce the risk of injury. These include:

• Never give fireworks to children under 12 years of age and supervise children at all times around fireworks.
• Never hold more than one sparkler at a time.
• Wear natural fibres or cotton, not synthetics.
• Use a sand bucket or a flat, solid surface to stabilise fireworks.
• Avoid inspecting or relighting a ‘dud’ firework.
• Never point, hold or throw lit fireworks.
• Never use illegal or homemade fireworks. These are extremely unreliable and dangerous.
• Fireworks and alcohol don’t mix. People should not use fireworks whilst under the influence of alcohol as reflexes and judgment can be drastically impaired. 

Territorians are reminded to know the 3 Cs first aid treatment for burns - Cool for 20 minutes under running water, Cover it with cling wrap and Call 000.

Emergency Department Physician Dr John Roe urged Territorians to be responsible this Territory Day.

“During past Territory Day celebrations we have seen a number of people sustain serious injuries due to the misuse of fireworks.

“Have fun this year, but do it safely. Don’t let a split second bad decision leave you needing months of treatment, or worse.”

“In terms of care we recommend that any eye injury, deep burn or burn larger than a postage stamp requires medical review.”

Educational information has been placed at firework points of sale to help remind Territorians of how to use fireworks in a safer way.

This same information was provided to schools and is also available on www.health.nt.gov.au.

The Department of Health encourages people to attend the many free professional fireworks displays taking place in towns across the Northern Territory this Territory Day to ensure that they have a safe and fun celebration free of harm.

Media Contact: Dimitra Grehl 0427 596 954